Radio Installations on GMDSS Ships Notice to all Classification Societies and Radio Surveyors

43 Pages·2014·0.28 MB·English

by  Maritime and Coastguard Agency

Radio Installations on GMDSS
Ships
Guidance for Surveyors

Notice to all Classification Societies and Radio Surveyors

This notice supersedes MSISoo5 Radio Installations on GMDSS Ships. Instructions to Surveyors

Summary
These guidelines, wherever possible, are based upon the Survey Guidelines Under The
Harmonised System Of Survey And Certification adopted by the International Maritime
Organization (IMO) through IMO Assembly Resolution A.746(18). Text adopted by the IMO is
shown in italics, with a reference to the relevant section of the A.746(18), followed by the
interpretation or clarification adopted for radio installations on United Kingdom merchant ships.

1. General
Object of instructions
These guidelines are issued by the Maritime and Coastguard Agency for the guidance of radio
surveyors in the survey and inspection of radio installations on ships for the purpose of ensuring
compliance with the various Statutory Instruments covering merchant shipping. They also indicate to
shipowners, shipowners' representatives, masters and crew, shipbuilders and radio installation
companies the procedure adopted for the survey and acceptance of radio installations. These
instructions should be read in conjunction with the instructions issued by the MCA relating to
passenger ships, load-line, fire protection, navigational equipment, lifesaving appliances and oil
prevention.
1.1 Statutory provisions
The principal statutory provisions concerning radio installations are contained in:
The Merchant Shipping Act 1995
The Wireless Telegraphy Act 1949 and 1967
The Merchant Shipping (Life-Saving Appliances) for Passenger Ships of Classes III 10 VI(a) 1999 (SI
No.2723)
The Merchant Shipping (Life-Saving Appliances) for Ships other than ships of Class III to VI(a) 1999
(SI no.2721)
The Merchant Shipping (Radio Installations) Regulations 1998 (SI 1998 No. 2510)
The Merchant Shipping (Categorisation of Waters) Regulations 1992 (SI 1992 No. 2356)
The Merchant Shipping (Survey and Certification) Regulations 1995 (SI 1995 No. 1210)
The Merchant Shipping (High Speed Craft) Regulations 1996 (SI 1996 No. 3188)
A comprehensive list of current Merchant Shipping acts and Regulations is issued at regular intervals
and published by the MCA in the form of a Marine Guidance Note.
1.2 Definitions
In these guidelines the following definitions apply:
Basic Equipment
Equipment forming part of the radio installations provided on a ship to comply with regulation 8, 9, 10,
11 and 12, as appropriate, of the Radio Installation Regulations (q.v.).
Certifying Body
An Organisation authorised or recognised by the Secretary of State to perform the survey of radio
installations on United Kingdom ships and, as appropriate, issue Certification.
Contractor
An Organisation appointed by the Secretary of State to perform Radio Surveys, Inspections and a
Radio Advisory Service on behalf of the MCA.
DSC
Digital Selective Calling
Duplicate Equipment
Equipment, additional to basic equipment (q.v.), forming part of radio installations provided on a ship
to comply with regulation 15(6) of the Radio Installation Regulations (q.v.).
Emergency Position-Indicating Radio Beacon (EPIRB)
A station in the mobile service, the emissions of which are intended to facilitate search and rescue
operations.
Existing Installation
An installation wholly installed on board a ship before the date on which the present Convention
enters into force irrespective of the date on which acceptance by the respective Administration takes
effect; or,
An installation part of which was installed on board a ship before the date of entry into force of the
present convention and the rest of which consists either of parts installed in replacement of identical
parts, or parts which comply with the requirements of this chapter.
Float Charging
A battery-charging arrangement where a battery, and all equipment connected to the battery, are
simultaneously supplied with electrical energy from an automatic charging device.
Functional Requirements
The functional requirements of the GMDSS as specified in regulation 4 of Chapter IV of the Safety
Convention (q.v.).
GMDSS
The Global Maritime Distress and Safety System.
GOC
General Operator’s Certificate
HF
The radio frequencies between 4 and 30 MHz allocated by the ITU (q.v.) to the maritime mobile
services.
IMO
International Maritime Organization
4, Albert Embankment
London
SE1 7SR
Tel [phone]
Initial Survey
The complete inspection, before a ship is put into service, of all the items relating to a particular
certificate to confirm that the relevant requirements are complied with and that these items are
satisfactory for the service for which the ship is intended.
INMARSAT
The Organisation established by the Convention of the International Maritime Satellite Organisation
(INMARSAT) adopted on 3 September 1976.
INMARSAT Ltd.
99 City Road
London
EC1Y 1AX
Tel [phone]
International NAVTEX Service
The co-coordinated broadcast and automatic reception on 518 kHz of maritime safety information by
means of narrow-band direct-printing telegraphy using the English language.
ITU
International Telecommunication Union (ITU)
Places des Nations
CH-1211
Geneva 20
Switzerland
Marine Guidance Notice
A notice described as such and issued by the Maritime and Coastguard Agency.
Maritime Safety Information (MSI)
Navigational and meteorological warnings, meteorological forecasts and other urgent safety related
messages broadcast to ships.
Merchant Shipping Notice
A notice described as such and issued by the Maritime and Coastguard Agency; and any reference to
a particular Merchant Shipping Notice includes a reference to any document amending or replacing
that Notice which is considered by the Secretary of State to be relevant from time to time and is
specified in a Merchant Shipping Notice.
MF
The radio frequencies less than 4 MHz allocated by the ITU (q.v.) to the maritime mobile services.
MCA
The Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA), an Executive Agency of the Department for Transport.
Navigation Safety Branch
Branch of the Standards Directorate of the MCA.
Survey and Inspection Branch
A Branch of the Operations Directorate of the MCA.
Seafarer Standards & Training
Branch of the Quality and Standards Directorate of the MCA.
New Installation
Any installation which is not an existing installation.
Radio Operator
A person holding a certificate specified in the Radio Regulations (ITU) (q.v.) as appropriate.
Radio Regulations (ITU)
The Radio Regulations annexed to, or regarded as being annexed to, the most recent International
Telecommunication Convention which may be in force at any time.
Radio Installations Regulations
The Merchant Shipping (Radio Installations) Regulations 1998, as may be amended from time to
time.
Regulations
Collectively or individually, those regulations regarding radio matters that are applicable to the vessel
involved.
Renewal Survey
An inspection of the items relating to the particular certificate to confirm that they are in a satisfactory
condition and for the service for which the ship is intended leading to the issue of a new certificate.
Safety Convention Ship
Any ship granted a certificate or certificates in accordance with the provisions of the "Safety of Life at
Sea (SOLAS) Convention".
1.3 Application of the Radio Installations Regulations
1.3.1 Ships to which the Radio Installations Regulations apply
The Radio Installations Regulations apply to:
-Sea-going United Kingdom ships.
-Other seagoing ships while they are in the United Kingdom or the territorial waters thereof.
1.3.2 Ships to which the Radio Installations Regulations do not apply
The Radio Installations Regulations do not apply to:
-Troopships not registered in the United Kingdom.
-Ships not propelled by mechanical means.
-Pleasure craft.
-Fishing vessels.
-Cargo ships of less than 300 tons.
-United Kingdom ships while they are being navigated within the Great lakes Of North America and
their connecting and tributary waters as far east as the lower exit of the St. Lambert Lock at Montreal
in the Province of Quebec, Canada.
-High Speed Craft to which the Merchant Shipping (High-Speed Craft) Regulations 1996 apply.
Note: Fishing vessels, high speed craft and certain other vessels engaged on commercial operations
may be subject to separate requirements relating to the provision of radio installations. These
instructions may be referred to when performing surveys or inspections of these radio installations.
1.4 Recommended practices
Recommended practices concerning radio installations for merchant ships are contained in:
-Code of Safe Working Practices for Merchant Seamen
-Code of Practice for Noise Levels in Merchant Ships
-The IEE Regulations for the Electrical Equipment of Ships
-Merchant Shipping Notices
-Marine Guidance Notices
-Marine Information Notes
-British Standard Specification for Limits and methods electromagnetic interference generated by
marine equipment and installations. (BS 1597: 1985)
-Code of practice for radio interference suppression on marine installations (BS 5260): 1975
Confirmed Nov 1981)
1.5 Powers of surveyors
Powers of surveyors are derived from:
-The Merchant Shipping Act 1995 (Section 256)
1.5.1 Surveyors - Terms of Reference
A Radio Surveyor appointed by the Secretary of State for Transport may under Sections 256 of the
Merchant Shipping act 1995, inspect a vessel and, where appropriate, confirm that it is properly
provided with radio installations and satisfies the other requirements in conformity with the
Regulations.
A Radio Surveyor, whilst undertaking work on behalf of the Maritime and Coastguard Agency shall
not:
-offer comments concerning individual suppliers of marine radio equipment or their capabilities in
respect of repairs nor be personally involved in any repairs which may need to be carried out in
connection with that survey;
-undertake any sales activity whatsoever, whether at a Regional office or Main Office, in connection
with any survey or inspection performed;
-pass any information whatsoever regarding a potential sale or sales connected with any survey or
inspection performed, to any third party (except the MCA for monitoring purposes) or to any person or
Department within the surveyor's parent company.
1.5.2 Referral to Maritime and Coastguard Agency
Should a difficulty arise in an area covered by the Regulations, Merchant Shipping Notices, Marine
Guidance Notices or these Instructions the matter should be referred to the:
Maritime and Coastguard Agency
Navigation Safety Branch
Spring Place 105 Commercial Road
Southampton SO15 1EG
Tel: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
E-mail: [email protected]
1.6 Detention
In cases where a ship to which the regulations apply, does not comply with the relevant Regulations,
the ship shall be liable to be detained.
Section 95 of the Merchant Shipping Act 1995 as amended provides for the detention of an unsafe
ship. Guidance on detention is contained in MCA Instructions to Surveyors, Survey and Inspection
Policy. In the event of a ship not complying with the regulations, the Radio Surveyor must consult with
the local MCA Surveyor in charge who will determine whether the vessel should be detained and what
further action should be taken against the vessel.
When a ship not registered in the UK is detained, a copy of the detention order should be forwarded
as soon as possible to the Consul or Marine Administration of the country in which the ship is
registered plus a copy to Survey and Inspection Branch.
1.7 Improvement and Prohibition Notices
1.7.1 General
Detention is effective if the ship is about to go to sea, and is mainly used to prevent departure of a
ship until defects affecting her safety have been remedied. It is not appropriate for stopping unsafe
practices or preventing dangerous activities in port, and in some cases it is too severe a course of
action to deal with some infringements of statutory requirements. An alternative course of action is
available under the Merchant Shipping Act 1995, which allows the serving of Improvement and
Prohibition Notices.
1.7.2 Improvement Notices
An Improvement Notice can be issued where there is a breach of any of the statutory provisions listed
in the Merchant Shipping Act 1995 or if it is believed that a contravention has occurred and is likely to
be repeated. It is aimed at preventing accidents; injury or pollution by ensuring something is put right
rather than punishment through prosecution. An Improvement Notice requires that the person on
whom it is served must comply fully with the remedy described on the notice by a date specified in the
notice.
1.7.3 Prohibition Notices
A Prohibition Notice may be used to stop or prohibit an activity if that activity involves a risk of serious
personal injury or serious pollution. Unlike an Improvement Notice, a Prohibition Notice can have
immediate effect and is therefore the appropriate instrument for use against imminent risk. The issue
of a Prohibition Notice will mean the stopping of an activity, which in turn may delay the sailing of a
ship. Consequently the decision to issue such a Notice should be given the same careful
consideration as the issue of an Order of Detention.
1.7.4 Non-United Kingdom Ships
In general, United Kingdom Regulations require standards on non-United Kingdom ships to be
equivalent to those on United Kingdom ships and make provisions for measures to be taken to rectify
any deficiencies or, in extreme cases, for ships to be detained. Where an activity involves a risk of
serious injury or pollution a Prohibition Notice can be issued to a non-United Kingdom ship provided
the activity involved is one to which relevant statutory instruments apply. However an Improvement
Notice can be issued only where there is a breach of specific regulation and the surveyor should first
satisfy himself that the regulation involved does in fact apply to non-United Kingdom ships.
1.8 Exceptions
1.8.1 Application for Exemptions
The Secretary of State for Transport is empowered to exempt any merchant ship from any of the
requirements of the Regulations. Applications for exemption may be sent by the owners or their
representatives to the Maritime and Coastguard Agency's Navigation Safety Branch, or through the
Chief Surveyor at the Local marine Office. Any such application should contain detailed reasons for
regarding the statutory requirements as unnecessary or unreasonable. Applications received by
District Chief Surveyors should be forwarded to the Navigation Safety Branch for a decision.
1.8.2 Issue of Exemption Certificate
If complete, partial or conditional exemption is granted by the MCA, an Exemption Certificate will be
issued to the applicant stating the extent of the exemption, and where appropriate, the conditions
upon which it has been granted. Exemption Certificates will not normally be valid for more than 12
months, and where possible, will remain in force for the same period as any certificate relating to the
Radio Installation. A copy of any Exemption Certificate shall be retained aboard the vessel to which it
is granted and must be made available to a Radio Surveyor or MCA Surveyor at any Survey or
Inspection of the Radio station.
1.8.3 Non-UK Registered Ships
Where a safety Convention Ship not registered in the United Kingdom holds an Exemption Certificate,
the Radio Surveyor or MCA Surveyor should check that the exemption falls within the terms of the
Safety Convention as specified in IMO Circular SL.14/Circ.115 issued 21 June 1993. Where there is
reason to doubt the extent of the exemption, the matter should be referred to the local Surveyor in
Charge.
1.9 Fees
The fees for the surveys of ships are contained in the current Merchant Shipping (Fees) Regulations.
1.10 Safety
To confirm that personnel are not placed at risk or equipment is not inadvertently damaged during
survey, a responsible person representing the owners, capable of operating the equipment should be
present during survey or other inspection of radio installations. If the owner is not so represented the
Surveyor should not proceed unless he is satisfied that it is safe to do so and has the agreement of
the master or representative of the shipowner.

2. Survey Arrangements
2.1 Application for radio survey
Application for a survey should be made in accordance with Marine Guidance Notice 286. A
Contractor has been appointed by the MCA to conduct the surveys of radio installations on UK
registered ships and acts on the Agency's behalf in issuing Convention Certificates to UK registered
cargo ships and non-UK registered cargo ships in UK ports. The Contractor is required to take full
legal responsibility for the actions of the Radio Surveyors supplied.
In any application for an initial survey clear instructions should be given to the certifying body
regarding the GMDSS sea area or areas through which the ship will pass during its intended
voyage(s).
Where any change to the equipment and other items covered by the survey is to be made or has
been made prior to a renewal survey, or where it is intended to amend the area or area(s) of
operation on the certificate, this information should be brought to the attention of the certifying body at
the time of application.
Radio surveyors may be required, as necessary; to perform a survey of the radio installations on a UK
registered ship overseas. Initial surveys of UK registered ships are to be performed by the contractor
unless alternative arrangements have been approved by Navigation Safety Branch. With the
exception of UK registered passenger ships, which must be surveyed by the contractor, renewal
surveys may be conducted locally in foreign ports as described in Marine Guidance note 286.
Radio Surveyors performing surveys for statutory purposes should confirm that all the equipment
required under the Regulations is carried and is fit and ready for use, that the installation is in
accordance with the Regulations and Instructions and that all radio operators are appropriately
qualified.
2.2 Submission of drawings (plans & designs)
Shipowners and shipbuilders should submit plans and particulars of the proposed radio installations
for new ships to Navigation Safety Branch or to the Contractor appointed by the MCA to conduct the
surveys of radio installations on the Agency's behalf at the design stage. This will provide an early
opportunity to determine; as far as possible, whether the proposals comply with the Regulations; they
should cover the layout of equipment, wiring and antenna arrangements. These plans will be treated
in confidence.
2.3 Issue of Certificates
If entirely satisfied that the applicable Regulations are being met and all fees due have been paid, the
Radio Surveyor should complete and forward a Declaration of Radio Survey as follows:
-in the case of a passenger ship, to the MCA Lead Surveyor for use in connection with the issue of a
Passenger Certificate;
-in the case of a cargo ship, to the Contractor above, who will issue the Safety Radio Certificate.
Note: "Electronic" means may be used to forward Declarations of Survey over the
telecommunications network.
2.4 Deficient installations
When a Radio Surveyor considers an installation deficient or defective, a notice in writing is to be
handed or sent to the owner or his representative pointing out the defect or deficiency and indicating
what is required to remedy it. All defects and deficiencies must be made good to the satisfaction of
the Radio Surveyor. If through non-compliance, a Declaration of Survey cannot be issued, or if it
should be considered necessary to invoke further enforcement action, the local Regional Chief
Surveyor must be informed.

3. Guidelines for Survey
3.1 Application
Radio equipment installed on a SOLAS ships should meet the relevant IMO requirements and ITU
recommendations and should be of a type approved by the administration.
These Guidelines are applicable when installing GMDSS radio equipment on board SOLAS ships.
The rules in these guidelines also apply to radio installations on mobile offshore drilling units as
prescribed in the MODU code.
(See chapter 11 for GMDSS requirements offshore)
Cargo ships of less than 300 gross tonnage (gt) and fishing/catching vessels are as a general rule not
covered by SOLAS requirements. However, if such ships/vessels are going to install GMDSS radio
equipment on a voluntary basis or mandatory basis according to national laws, these guidelines
should be followed as far as practicable.
These guidelines reflect to a large extent unambiguous requirements in accordance with the relevant
rules and regulations, see subsection 3.2. below. Other practical installation solutions than the ones
emerging from these guidelines may, however, be accepted as long as the international requirements
as laid down in the SOLAS Convention etc are met and the installation is considered to be equivalent.
Note: - The marine electronics company which installs the radio equipment should be responsible for
giving the radio operators proper familiarisation in the use of the installed radio equipment before it is
put into operation.
3.2 Rules and regulations
These guidelines are prepared in accordance with the following conventions, regulations, instructions
and guidelines:
SOLAS 1974 as amended
IMO Resolutions (Performance standards) and IMO Circulars
ITU (International Telecommunication Union) Radio Regulations (RR)
International Standards – ISO 14612:2004
The STCW Convention (Standard of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping)
3.3 Drawings (plans and designs)
For the radio installations, including those used in lifesaving appliances, the examination of plans and
designs should consist of: